When Los Angeles native Jaime Frias joined Chivas Guadalajara’s U-17 team after playing in Chivas USA’s Youth Academy, the now 20-year-old defender arrived as a quiet and shy youngster looking to continue on a path to make his dream a reality. Born in Whittier, Calif., Frias continued to develop under the tutelage of Guadalajara’s renowned youth program in Verde Valle and by the time he was crowned champion as part of Chivas’ U-20 team last year, he was wearing the captain’s arm band for then-Head Coach Marco Fabian’s squad.

Now Frias returns home to his native SoCal and to Chivas USA, via loan from their brother club, under the guidance of Jose Luis Real, who was the director of sporting development and was at the helm of the youth program during his stint with the Mexican club, as well as Fabian his former academy coach. And the defender credits the two coaches for bringing out the leader in him.

“Speaking with ‘Güero’ [Real] and Marco [Fabian] they taught me that you always have to be a leader on the field, that you always have to communicate,” said Frias. “I had the opportunity to serve as captain of the U-20 and that just gives you even more leadership.”

Under the tutelage and development of Fabian and Real, Frias describes himself as an intense competitor who is vocal on the pitch. The new member of the Red-and-White, who can play at both center back or left back, says it has always been his dream to play for Chivas, and that he can’t ask for anything more than being able to do it so close to his family, which will make it even more special.

Chivas USA are set to battle Western Conference rival Seattle Sounders FC at CenturyLink Field on July 28, and Frias will be ready if called upon by Real to make his professional debut on the road. For now, however, the new arrival will continue to show what he can bring to the club and learn from the number of experienced players on the squad.

“I’ve worked with Real since I arrived in Guadalajara and he has always helped me and supported me all around,” added Frias. “For that, I have all the confidence in him. I’m also confident that with players such as Carlos [Bocanegra], [Erick] Torres and [Mario] de Luna, I can go to them and ask for advice because I know they will help and allow me to learn from them.

The newly-arrived Goat has been brought along and developed in the Red-and-White institution, and for that he is thankful. Aside from his personal goals, Frias hopes he can be part of the progress that continues to take shape under Real’s leadership along with the rest of the new additions to the Rojiblancos.

“We’re here to put Chivas’ name back where it belongs and to give it our all for the jersey and fans,” concluded Frias.